Self-attaching nasal tube of acceptable appearance

ABSTRACT

A nasal tube attaching device comprising a body portion having an opening extending axially therethrough. The body is in the configuration of a truncated cone having a tapered end and a substantially triangular end having a configuration substantially conforming to the natural configuration of a human nostril. The tapered end of the body portion extends inwardly of the nostril and the base portion includes a flat surface which is in substantially the same plane as the nostril opening when the device is in position within the nostril. The tapered end is adapted to receive a medical tube which extends inwardly of the patient and which is in communication with the opening extending through the body portion. The area of the base of the body portion is less than that of the area of the nostril opening, thereby providing breathing area through the nostril opening when the device is in position.

I United States Patent 13,568,678

[72] Inventors Henri Pourquier 3,058,472 10/1962 Thornton 128/348 24, BdBerthelot a Montpellier; 3,153,415 10/1964 Sheridan 128/348 MichelCornbres, 4, Rue DAlger a 3,161,199 12/1964 Sands 128/348 Montllier,l-lerault,F|-ance 3,260,258 7/1966 Berman.... 128/206 [21] A 1 N747 5% 3 435 823 4/1969 Ed d 128/334 pp o. war s giled d fi y 5 37FOREIGN PATENTS [45] atente ar. l l Priority y 25 1967N0v. 23,19671,057,738 5/1959 Germany 128/348 [33 France Primary Examiner-Dalton L.Truluck [31 1780 nd 1785 Attorney-Robillard and Byrne [54]SELF-ATTACHING NASAL TUBE 0F ACCEPTABLE APPEARANCE ABSTRACT A nasal tubeattachmgdevrce comprising a body 11 ,9 portion having an openingextending axially therethrough. The body is in the configuration of atruncated cone having a [52] [1.8. Cl 128/348, tapered end and asubstantially triangular end having a 128,206 figuration substantiallyconforming to the natural configura- [51] It'll. Cl on of a humannostriL The tapered end of the y portion [50] F tell! of Search 128/206,extends inwardly f the nostril and the base portion includes a 140 (N),343, 350 flat surface which is in substantially the same plane as thenostril opening when the device is in position within the nostril. [5,6]References Clted The tapered end is adapted to receive a medical tubewhich UNITED STATES PATENTS extends inwardly of the patient and which isin communication 399,985 3/1889 Goodwillie 128/348 with the openingextending through the body portion. The 1,014,758 1/1912 Knowlson128/342 area of the base of the body portion IS less than that of thearea 1,218,906 3/ 1917 Shepherd 128/ 140 of the nostril opening, therebyproviding breathing area 2,945,493 7/ 1960 Herman 128/ 140 through thenostril opening when the device is in position.

t it SELF-ATTAQZ-TTNG NASAlL TUBE F ACCEPTABLE APPEARANCE The use ofnasal tubes for feeding purposes, known as drip feeding, is a well knownart. A fine tube of plastic material from 2 to 4 millimeters in outerdiameter is generally utilized. The tube is introduced through the nasalcavities, past the esophagus and into the stomach. Other tubes forduodenal or intestinal uses are also passed through the nasal fossae.Tubes of this type are used for resuscitation, the feeding of patients,and are also utilized when there is a functional or organic obstructionto food intake. Feeding can be intermittent or continuous.

Nasal tubes present the disadvantage of extending for a considerabledistance beyond the nostrils. Consequently, there are drawbacks ofvarious kinds; for example:

1. Tubes of this type are in the way and have an unpleasant appearance.Normally, fixation is effected by turning the anterior end of the tubebehind the ear or by use of one or two threads across the face.Sometimes an adhesive bandage is used at the nostril, while the end ofthe tube is out in the air. Such an unpleasant through is fairly wellaccepted in post-surgery cases and for bedridden patients but thisappearance becomes very objectionable when the patient is ambulatory.Many patients refuse nasal tubes for psychologicalreasons.

2. The outer end of the tube, in sleep or when the patient moves, issubjected to involuntary traction causing displacement ofithe tube andpain in the nasal or pharyngeal passage. This is especially dangerous inagitated and/or unconscious patients or in the case of children.

Therefore, a principal objective of the present invention is to providea device having a self-attaching means without a visible external endand for reducing disturbance in the nasal respiration system.

Another objective of this invention is to provide means to comfortablyand easily affix the outer end of a nasal tube to the nose of thepatient.

These and other objects of the invention will become more apparent tothose skilled in the art by reference to the following detaileddescription when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

H6. 1 is an isometric projection of a tube support attached in thenostril of a patient and directed through the nasal cavity toward thestomach;

MG. 2 is a schematic isometric projection of the support of HG. l;

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of the external surface of the object ofthe present invention disclosing a modification of a mounting means;

FlGS. 4 and 5 are diagrammatic sections of the object of the inventionrespectively showing second and third modifications of a mountingelement for obturating the tube;

FlGS. 6, 7 and b are diagrammatic views of further modifications ofobturation of the tube means; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view in elevation of a further embodiment ofthis invention.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like numerals refer to likeelements, the numeral 1 refers to a tube of conventional type thatreaches the stomach via the nasal and esophageal fossae. The tube isterminated at its outer end by tip 2 which is enclosed by the nostrilopening. The end surface of tip 2 is normally in the plane of theexternal orifice of the nostril and occupies only a part of the nostrilcavity to avoid any serious interference with normal respiration.

it is to be observed that element 3 for fixation follows as closely aspossible the external ala of the nose and extends along the nasogenialsulcus to avoid the esthetic drawbacks as much as possible. The fixationelement 3 is terminated by a pad d.

According to FlG. 2, the body of tip 2 comprises an element ofnonoxidizable material generally presenting the form of a truncated conewith an anterior triangular base and with a rounded edge having majorvertical axis. According to one characteristic of the present invention,it has the dimensions and general configuration of a nostril into whichit must be readily mounted in a manner to allow sufficient passage forfree respiration. The slender tapering posterior extremity of body 2 isjoined to tube l. by gluing or by simultaneous molding of plasticmaterial. The body 2 can, therefore, be distinct from the saidnasopharyngeal tube It or form an integral part thereof. A tube isremovably inserted in the central passage of body 2; and fixed to it bysuitable means a preventing it from falling back inside the nasalcavity.

in order to adapt as perfectly as possible to the nostril, the outersurface of tip 2 is rounded. The internal surface can be relativelyflat. The anterior face is preferably slightly convex and supports theclosure system. The upper edge can present a rounded projection thatcorresponds to the cavity of the lobe of the nose.

A system to attach the above is formed by a partial annulus thatincludes a hook element 3 whose form, which is a crooked curve, is suchthat it follows as closely as practical the lower part of the junctureof the nostril and the external sulcus and the lower part of the sulcusitself. This configuration is best seen in FIG. 1. The hook 3 isterminated at its free end by a pad 4 to blunt any disagreeablescratching of the flesh. The hook 3 is advantageously constituted of aplastic material of nonoxidizable metal or of a plastic-embedded metalthat has a certain elasticity to permit the exertion of gentle pressureon the external ala of the nose. Dependent upon the nature the materialselected for hook'3, the pad 4 is molded at the same time as the mainbody 2 or it can be sealed.

As shown in FIG. 3, the hook 3 may also be mounted pivotally on body 2about a pin 5 and urged to a nose-engaging position by a coil spring 6.

Itis to be understood that the retaining hook can be integrally moldedwith the body portion, if desired.

Because of the special asymmetrical form of main body 2, it should beunderstood that it is necessary to impart direction to the device whenit is introduced. To facilitate this operation, a color index isinscribed along the generatrix of tube 1 for use as reference.

To prevent reflux of liquids toward the outside, an obturating element 7is provided in several modifications which are illustrated by FIGS. 4,5, 6, 7 and 8.

An obturator valve seven can be made as in FIG. 1 to pivot about a pin 8and to be held in closed position by spring 9, one end of which can atthe same time constitute the pin 8. The valve can also be a plug asindicated by the numeral 7 b in FIG. 4. The plug obturates bycompression in the passageway. The tab or plug 7 b is fixed to body 2 ofthe device or molded integrally if a flexible plastic material is usedfor the manufacture of body 2.

FIG. 5 shows an external plug 7 0 held against the orifice of tube l bya spring 10. The axis of spring 10 provides an axis about which the plugcan pivot. Thus the cannula can be readily introduced into tube 1 whichconnects the nasopharyngeal tube and the receptacle or syringescontaining the feeding solutions.

There can likewise be provision for opening of tube l by a flapper valvemeans. For this arrangement, a flexible plastic end of tube l forms aconcentric valve as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. The lips of the valvewill separate upon introduction of the cannula and automatically closewhen it is withdrawn. The action here is much like that of a sphincter.

According to FIG. 8, tube 1 terminates in a valve made of a diametricslit 11 whose opening is caused by manual compression exertedsimultaneously at both ends of the slit.

Thus far, there has been described an apparatus which is characterizedby a combination having the outer tip of any nasopharyngeal, gastric orduodenal tube weighted or pro vided with an inflatable member to allowits fixation to the orifice of a nostril of the patient andsimultaneously ensuring a presentable appearance together with greaterease of use through the absence of useless external elements and throughimproved fixation means therefor.

In FIG. 9 there is shown a detachable device for joining apparatus ofthe type described to a tubular element to thereby allow its readyaftixation and without risk of accidental separation. This is of realimportance because an accidental separation can cause the tube to dropinto the natural cavities where it has been installed.

The tube of this embodiment is designated by the numeral 1. The tubesupport, instead of being constituted of a single element forming anintegral piece with tube 1 is either molded integrally therewith or issubsequently and permanently joined thereto by gluing or similar means.An assembly of elements such as 12 and 16 permit fixation of the tubeholder to the tube 1 at the time of use in a manner that the twoelements (tube and tube holder) are positively joined in a manner thatis both uncomplicated and secure.

According to FIG. 9, the body of tube 1 is terminated by the two members12 and 16. The tube 12, beyond and olive portion 13, receives acylindrical part part 14 which has projections in the form of multiple,annular, sawtooth projections 15. These projections are characterized inthat in section they have the form of right triangles, preferably, oneleg of the right angle being angularly disposed to the axis of thedevice and the hypotenuse orientated in the direction away from theolive portion 13.

The female piece 16 presents a hemispherical hollow surface to thecylindrical outer end of the olive 13. The pieces 13 and 16 (or one ofthem) are made of semielastic material such as polyethylene. The piecesare sufficiently rigid to permit an inter-engagement between therespective sawteeth such that the tube 1 can be securely grasped betweenthe above-mentioned hemishperical portions.

It should be understood that since pieces 13 and 16 are thusconstituted, piece 16 can slide on the cylindrical part of piece 14 andif sufficient pressure is exerted on piece 16 (piece 14 being held)piece 16 will move easily over sawtooth projections 15. The elasticityof the different elements allows compression of the projections at thefavorable moment. This arrangement constitutes a ratchet" action toprevent any sliding backward (to the right) of element 16.

The number of projections 15 is such that a position can always be foundfor piece 16 in which it can compress tube 1 sufficiently to insuretightness and positive engagement. The piece 16 is thus rigidly joinedto piece 12 and can readily support a clip 3 of a type serving to fixthe apparatus on the lobe of the nose.

It is to be noted that to facilitate this function of prehension of thenose lobe, the piece 16 preferably presents in section an externalconfiguration that is oval or semioval in order readily to bear on theinner surface of the outer wall of the nostril. The bulk of theapparatus is such that it leaves free passage for respiration as well asfor nasal secretions. The member 3 is constituted by an elastic elementthat is sufficiently malleable, however, to permit its adaption tovarious nostril forms. The pad 4 which forms the free end of piece 13can bear on the outer wall of the nose, either directly, or beingprovided with an added single or double adhesive surface.

Moreover, according to a characteristic of the present invention, theouter end of body 12 presents a connecting element for quick, tightjoining, to receive either an obturator or any other device that is tobe connected to the tube, such as syringe, funnel, tubes, etc. for manyand varied uses.

A rapid connection means has been provided in the form of a femaleconical element with spiraled lobes 17. The element for quick, tightjoining, to receive either an obturator or any other device that is tobe connected to the tube, such as syringe, funnel, tubes, etc. for mayand varied uses.

A rapid connection means has been provided in the form of a femaleconical element with spiraled lobes 17. The element to be connected,such as tube 18 presents a complementary configuration, i.e., in thepresent case, a conical male element that likewise has spiraled lobes19. The conical spiraled threadings, which is the object of the presentinvention, offers as advanta es:

1. The a owance of rapid wedgmg action. One quarter turn is normallysufiicient because of the very long pitch of the spiral.

2. An extremely easy cleaning of each of these elements since thespiraled lobes allow the scraping helix to reach the bottom, which isnot practical with any other types of threading. This'is advantageousfor a piece of medical equipment.

It can be understood that the placement of elements 12 and 16 on thetube can be readily effected by means of a pincer like element, forinstance a hemostat, one branch of which is provided with a slittruncated conical bowl for installation of the tube and olive and theother branch presenting a slit cylindrical bowl to receive piece 16 eventhfugh clip 3 is presented. These two pieces can thus easily be pushedtogether, the tube itself being held in place during this operation bythe presence of the pincers on the olive 13. This offers the advantageof using a tube cut to a desired length secured to the tube holder afterthe tube has been cut to the exact required length to reach the organ inquestion to thereby eliminate the risk of accidental breaking apart ofthe two elements.

In general manner, while there has been disclosed effective andefficient embodiments of the invention, it should be well understoodthat the invention is not limited to such embodiments, as there might bechanges made in the arrangement, disposition, and form of the partwithout departing from the principle of the present invention ascomprehended within the scope of the accompanying claims.

We claim:

1. A nasal feeding device for nesting within the outer opening of ahuman nostril comprising a body portion generally in the form ofatruncated cone having a tapered interior end and an anterior, lobaltriangular base contoured in the general shape of a human nostril, saidbase having a substantially flat surface whereby when said body portionis nested within said nostril, said surface is in substantially the sameplane as said nostril opening, said body portion having a passagewayextending axially therethrough, a medical tube connected to said taperedend and in communication with said passageway, retaining clip meansattached to the base of said body and extending outwardly of andgripping said nostril walls when said device is nested within saidnostril 2. The device of claim 1 and including an obturator mounted insaid axially extending opening adjacent said flat surface and adapted toclose said opening.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein said obturator includes normally closedflexible sealing means which can be opened to permit the introduction ofa feeding tube.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein said obturator is a springlike clip.

5. The device of claim 2 where said obturator is a flap valve.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein said body consists of a flexible,nontoxic plastic.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein said retaining clip is configured tofollow the nasogenial sulcus.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein said tubular body is olive shaped andsaid tube substantially surrounds said body, an extension projectingoutwardly from the other end of said olive, means securely holding saidtube to said tubular body.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein said extension has a onewayantifriction surface about its surface and said means is formed with asurface for engagement therewith.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said extension has second means forfacilitating the attachment of a feeding apparatus.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said second means consists of aspiraled lobelike thread adapted to receive a corresponding !obelikethread formed on said apparatus.

1. A nasal feeding device for nesting within the outer opening of a human nostril comprising a body portion generally in the form of a truncated cone having a tapered interior end and an anterior, lobal triangular base contoured in the general shape of a human nostril, said base having a substantially flat surface whereby when said body portiOn is nested within said nostril, said surface is in substantially the same plane as said nostril opening, said body portion having a passageway extending axially therethrough, a medical tube connected to said tapered end and in communication with said passageway, retaining clip means attached to the base of said body and extending outwardly of and gripping said nostril walls when said device is nested within said nostril
 2. The device of claim 1 and including an obturator mounted in said axially extending opening adjacent said flat surface and adapted to close said opening.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said obturator includes normally closed flexible sealing means which can be opened to permit the introduction of a feeding tube.
 4. The device of claim 2 wherein said obturator is a springlike clip.
 5. The device of claim 2 where said obturator is a flap valve.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein said body consists of a flexible, nontoxic plastic.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein said retaining clip is configured to follow the nasogenial sulcus.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein said tubular body is olive shaped and said tube substantially surrounds said body, an extension projecting outwardly from the other end of said olive, means securely holding said tube to said tubular body.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein said extension has a one-way antifriction surface about its surface and said means is formed with a surface for engagement therewith.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein said extension has second means for facilitating the attachment of a feeding apparatus.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein said second means consists of a spiraled lobelike thread adapted to receive a corresponding lobelike thread formed on said apparatus. 